Selective oxidation of dimethyl ether to methyl formate over trifunctional MoO3–SnO2catalyst under mild conditions

Abstract

Dimethyl ether oxidation was conducted over MoO₃–SnO₂ catalysts prepared from different Sn salt precursors. Over the MoO₃–SnO₂ catalyst prepared from SnCl₄, methyl formate selectivity reached 94.1% at 433 K without the formation of CO_x. The performance of the catalyst was determined by the existence form of MoO₃ and the different surface bonding of Mo and O of the catalyst.